Kepu to start against Hurricanes

Sekope Kepu makes a return to the starting lineup this Saturday when the Waratahs travel to Wellington to take on the Hurricanes.

The Wallabies prop will start alongside Benn Robinson and hooker John Ulugia.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has left the rest of the starting XV unchanged, following last Sunday's 23-19 victory over the Western Force.

The match will also see lock Kane Douglas make his 50th appearance for NSW.

With Tatafu Polota-Nau unavailable for selection, the Waratahs welcome back to action Wycliff Palu, who returns from an ankle injury to take his place on the bench in the only other change to the matchday 22.

After making his NSW debut in last weekend's home win, lock Jed Holloway has been released for club duty and will play for Southern Districts in their first round Shute Shield clash against Eastwood.

Also in action in the Shute Shield this Saturday are Sydney University locks Ollie Atkins and Will Skelton and centre pairing Tom Carter and Michael Hodge.  Greg Peterson will also play for Manly.

Following this weekend's Round Eight Super Rugby match, the Waratahs have a bye in Week Nine - before they prepare to host last year's Super Rugby champions the Chiefs at Allianz Stadium on Friday, April 19.

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Peter Betham, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Rob Horne, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Pat McCutcheon, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 John Ulugia, 1 Benn Robinson.

Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Mitchell Chapman, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Matt Lucas, 21 Ben Volavola, 22 Tom Kingston.

Date: Saturday, April 6

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Kade McBride (New Zealand)

TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)